James perched on the edge of the bed and opened his Bible. 

Connor bit his lip. “Dad? Before you start, I have a question.”

James stopped turning pages. “What is it?”

“How come Jesus has so many names? I don’t really understand who He’s supposed to be to us. Sometimes he’s Messiah, sometimes, the Savior, or Lord, or King. Or Prince of Peace, or something like that.”

James studied Connor’s face. “That’s an excellent question. And probably the most important one you could ask. Did you know Jesus asked the disciples a similar question?”

Connor scrunched up his nose. “About why He had so many names?”

James chuckled. “Not quite. Here.” He turned in his Bible to Matthew 16 and read aloud. “Matthew 16, verses 13-16. When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’

They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’

‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’

Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’”

James turned to his son. “The important question is, who is Jesus to you? Is He only your Savior, or is He your Lord and King?”

Connor’s forehead crinkled. “What’s the difference?”

James stroked his chin. How could he explain it in a way Connor would understand? Maybe he’d take a page out of Jesus’ book. Jesus spoke in parables. Maybe that would help. He cleared his throat. “I’m going to tell you a story to help explain it.”

Connor fluffed his pillow and settled in. “Great!”

James launched into a story. “A long time ago, in a faraway village, there were three brothers. Their parents were gone, and they were very poor. Their only source of income was their farm. They worked very hard on the farm, growing vegetables and raising animals. The farm was in a valley that was created by a dam that diverted the river around the village.”

“One day, a terrible storm raged, and the dam cracked. It was close to bursting. The brothers’ farm was just below where the dam broke. If it burst, the farm would flood, killing the brothers and washing away everything they had.”

Connor’s eyes widened as James continued. “The governor of the land heard about the dam, and he hurried to help. All his advisors warned him not to go because of the danger. He ignored their advice and rode his chariot to the dam. He used all his strength and the strength of the horses to hold back the walls of the dam until the storm subsided and the waters receded. In the morning, his advisors found him. He was almost dead from the strain, and both horses were killed. In the light of day, the townspeople all worked together to rebuild and strengthen the dam so nothing like that would ever happen again, but the governor was never the same. He lost the use of his right arm, and was permanently weakened.”

Connor clapped his hand over his mouth. “Oh, no!”

James couldn’t help smiling at Connor’s interest in the story. “When the three brothers heard what happened, they were all grateful to the governor. The first brother, Abe, said ‘Our governor is a good man. I’m so glad he saved our farm,’ and went out to milk the cows.”

“The second brother, Ben, realized the sacrifice the governor made. The near-flood changed his life. He took fresh vegetables, milk, and eggs to the governor’s house and prepared a meal for him. He sat at the governor’s table and listened to his wise counsel because he wanted to be more like the governor. And when the governor told him not to bring food to him any longer, but to take it to the poor, Ben obeyed. He planted extra rows of crops and raised more animals so he could give to the poor.”

“The third brother, Chris, did much like Ben. He helped Ben with the extra crops and animals and delivered the eggs, milk, and vegetables to the poor. And everywhere he went, he told everyone of the sacrifice the governor made for them. He told them of the goodness and the generous heart of the governor, and how he now wanted to be just like him.”

James squeezed Connor’s arm. “So, what do you think? Do you think there is a difference in how the three brothers saw the governor?”

Connor frowned. “The governor saved all of them, but Ben and Chris seemed like they appreciated it more.”

James nodded. “That’s part of it. All three brothers knew the governor was their savior, but Ben treated him like a lord. He gave him sacrifices and obeyed his word. And Chris went a step farther, treating him like a king. He obeyed him and told everyone about the wonderful sacrifice the governor made for them.”

“I think I get it now.” Connor sat up in the bed. “Jesus saved me, but knowing that is not enough. I need to obey Him and follow His will for my life to truly make Him my Lord.”

“Are you ready to do that?”

Connor grinned. “You bet!”

Luke 2:11

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Romans 10:9

 If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Revelation 19:16

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.

God, thank You so much for sending Jesus as our Savior. His sacrifice is truly amazing and that sacrifice is enough to save us from our sins. For us to truly live life to the fullest, we need to make Him the Lord of our lives. Help us submit to His authority and be obedient. And furthermore, help us remember He is our King. Let us treat Him with the respect He deserves, and tell others of the wonderful things He’s done for us! In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.